This Week’s Product Pick

Touch Revolution (Redwood City, CA) unveiled its TRu 22 Projected Capacitive (P-Cap) monitor with four-finger touch capability. Offered in desktop and open-frame configurations, this 21.5-inch display features an attractive bezel-free design that is easy to maintain and use in environments ranging from kiosks and digital signage to factory floors and healthcare, according to the vendor. Plug-and-play integration, Microsoft Windows 7 certification, and Linux support are provided. TRu 22 monitors have 16:9 screen aspect ratio, 1920x1080 (Full HD) maximum resolution, and 15-Pin Analog or DVI-D Video Input. “We know that many vertical markets and niche applications are poised for the leap to multi-touch technology,” noted Gene Halsey, TRu Product Line Director for Touch Revolution. “OEMs, distributors, and integrators have been waiting for the right combination of hardware, software, and support to make this leap.”

TRu 22 From Touch Revolution

COMPANY BUSINESS

A New Zenith for Managed Services

MSPs and VARs take note. Zenith Infotech, one of the fastest players out of the gate in managed services, now has consolidated its resources in this area, attracted equity funding, and spun out Zenith RMM, LLC (for “Remote Monitoring and Management”) to further press its advantage. This new, separate, entity, based in Warrendale, PA, will leverage Zenith’s Network Operations Center (NOC), SaaS-based management portal, and physical and intellectual property to become “the dominant player in MSP,” RRN.Com was told by Michael George, CEO. Zenith RMM will be jointly owned by Summit Partners and Zenith Infotech. In addition to George, former CEO of RFID software leader OATSystems (now part of Checkpoint Systems), new management includes Steve Ricketts, VP of Marketing, and Stephen Royal, CFO.

“We’re going to be broadening the kinds of end-points we support so that we have the full breadth of technologies needed by our MSP partners,” George responded when RRN.Com asked about immediate plans. “Mac OS and smart-phone support represent the first of our initiatives in this area. Secondly, we’ll be providing new platforms and programs to help our MSP partners improve their sales and marketing capabilities. We have by far the most profitable MSPs in the industry today, due to our end-to-end solution and 24/7 support, and we’re going to put our investment into improving that. They’re going to become more profitable more quickly through our new tools.” Central to this effort will be education, “helping to move VARs into MSPs, fully equipped,” according to Ricketts.  

“This announcement is tremendous news for Zenith RMM’s partners, as it creates an independent, strong U.S-based company that is fully dedicated to managed services,” said Larry Shulman, Owner of LMS Technical Services (Farmingdale, NY), one of Zenith RMM’s 3,000 current MSP partners. “Zenith’s management portal and world-class NOC are an essential part of our IT services offering. We are confident that the company’s dedicated focus on RMM will continue to strengthen its platform and our partnership, allowing us to keep delivering an exceptional level of service to our customers.”

Michael George, CEO, Zenith RMM

Hypercom Crosses the Equinox

More details have emerged on Hypercom USA, which will now address payment processing under its new name, Equinox Payments, LLC (Scottsdale, AZ). In addition to developing and selling new Equinox terminals, software, and services, the company will continue to support Hypercom products in the U.S. Former product names will remain unchanged, according to the manufacturer, but will be branded Equinox or co-branded Equinox and Hypercom for some period of time. In terms of the channel, Equinox has restated its commitment to VARs and ISOs in an interview with RRN.Com; similarly, no changes will be made to its two-tier distribution.

“Equinox payment terminals sit at the intersection between the physical store and the virtual world of payment processing, where our products achieve the balance between robust devices and secure applications,” stated Clint Jones, President of Equinox Payments. “The name Equinox embodies our strategic vision for the company: industry-leading hardware complemented with industry-leading software.” Jones, former Hypercom Corporate Chief of Staff, was picked to lead the U.S.-based entity upon its acquisition by the private equity firm, The Gores Group. VeriFone, RRN.Com readers will remember, took control of Hypercom’s international activities in August.

Hypercom’s products to be offered by Equinox include the T4200 countertop, M4200 mobile, and L5000 customer-facing payment devices, as well as all related software, terminal management systems, and ancillary services. Equinox also supplies the L4100 and L5000 series to large U.S.-based retail customers for certain foreign deployments. “With the recent proliferation of alternative payments, we are experiencing increased demand to load, host, and manage third-party applications on our devices,” reported Will Rossiter, SVP of Sales and Marketing. “Our EMV and contactless products, such as the L5300 and L5200, support digital wallets and other Near-Field Communication (NFC) offerings.”

Clint Jones, President, Equinox Payments

Worth Your While

Customer Engagement
Technology World
JDEvents
November 9-10
New York

2012 Events

NRF 101st Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 15-18
New York

INSPIRE 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 29-February 1
Herradura, Costa Rica

MODEX 2012
Material Handling Industry of America
February 6-9
Atlanta

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Motorola Delivers the Tablets

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has debuted its ET1 tablet computer, an enterprise-class answer to the use of consumer devices in retail and industrial environments. Readied in time for the National Retail Federation Show in January, and for reselling in Q1 and Q2, the ET1 marries the familiarity of Android with feature benefits required for demanding, day-long use by employees, RRN.Com was told by Frank Riso, Senior Director, Retail Industry Lead, at Motorola. This list includes enhanced durability, an optional barcode scanner and magnetic-stripe reader, hot-swappable battery packs, and secure system software.

In physical dimensions, the ET1 measures 5.1 in. (H) x 0.97 in. (D) x 8.8 in. (W) and weighs 1.4 lbs. Communication capabilities span 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and autonomous GPS. With retail as its primary target market, the new tablet empowers stores associates in areas such as mobile POS, assisted selling, inventory look-up, and planogram management, all addressed by Motorola’s extensive ISV community. Gorilla Glass protects its seven-inch color display, which has been recessed to survive falls, with rear and front-facing cameras extending data capture and conferencing opportunities.

“Enterprise-ready means the tablet can be password-protected and shared,” Riso pointed out. “This provides the retailer economies of scale--you probably need only 40% of the number of devices if consumer, our research indicates. Equally important, full encryption protects sensitive corporate and customer data and remote management for administrators allows monitoring and control.” Riso put the price of the ET1 at “well under $1,000” in large volumes.

Simultaneous with the launch of the ET1, Motorola released RhoElements, its new HTML5 web-based application framework, which bridges the gap between Microsoft Windows Mobile/CE and emerging platforms such as Android. Above and beyond migration, RhoElements allows developers to offer consumer-style look and feel with consistency across device type, screen size, and OS. Motorola purchased Rhomobile (San Jose, CA) in July, and Riso said the RhoElements product was named under that mobility software developer’s nomenclature, although it was engineered previously.

Enterprise Tablet, “ET1,” by Motorola

Road to Simplicity for Logic Controls

A new bundle from Logic Controls/Bematech (New Hyde Park, NY) and International Point of Sale (Teaneck, NJ) expressly targets small business owners looking to step up from an electronic cash register (ECR). Through this arrangement, Logic Controls/Bematech will tie several of its POS peripherals with Corner Store POS, the ISV’s software program. This includes the Logic Controls CR1600 cash drawer, LD9000 pole display, S500 scanner, and LE1000 touchscreen, along with the SB9100 retail computer as an option. This resulting package will be offered through distributors and resellers of both Logic Controls/Bematech and International Point of Sale.

“We have been searching for an effective, low-priced system for small business owners,” shared Wladimir Alvarez, President of Logic Controls/Bematech. “Any cashier can adapt to this technology regardless of their initial skill level and without spending the proverbial fortune. By bundling these best-selling products with competitive pricing, now small businesses can afford to computerize their outdated electronic cash registers.”

Ed Levin, President of International Point of Sale, cautioned that customers do not always require the most advanced technical system when moving from an ECR to PC-POS. “Often small business owners want to ring up items using scanners and barcodes, keep track of inventory, and integrate with credit card processors,” Levin said. “Corner Store POS provides each of these functions along with its display like an old-fashioned register so the learning curve is eliminated. We put 10 years of sales experience into Corner Store POS, with our sole inspiration being feedback from our customers. ”

Addresses Small Business Owners by Bundling With International Point of Sale

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Week of September 26

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ALLIANCES

A Tree Grows in POS

Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA) has partnered with TransactionTree (Atlanta) to promote paperless, digital receipts and one-to-one marketing at the POS. TransactionTree’s platform, dubbed eReceipt, captures the customer’s receipt and relevant information and attaches the digital image to an e-mail template. Subsequently, personalized messages or offers based on past purchases, an invitation to sign up for preferred customer programs, or any other customized communications may be sent within two minutes of the transaction’s completion. Under the system, receipts get stored in an online repository for customer access, free of charge.

“We believe that the partnership forged between TransactionTree and Retail Pro will present retailers with the opportunity to gain insight into their customers’ shopping behaviors, become environmentally conscious corporate citizens, and reduce their costs of doing business, in addition to driving sales,” remarked Jason Shapiro, CEO of TransactionTree, Inc. Since its debut at the 2009 National Retail Federation Show, TransactionTree has made significant progress with POS ISVs. In addition to Retail Pro, it combines with IBM, JDA Software Group, and Microsoft Dynamics RMS, through POSitive Technology.

“At Retail Pro we are dedicated to providing our customers with tools to do more with their retail management system,” commented Mike Bishop, VP of Business Development at Retail Pro International. “TransactionTree strengthens and supports our vision by providing a dynamic solution that fits the needs of our users. When retailers understand and communicate effectively with their customers, they can expect higher satisfaction and sales rates, ultimately increasing their return on investment.”

TransactionTree Adds Digital Receipts to POS Software

Tabbedout Gets Tabbed In

Focus POS (San Antonio, TX) has certified Tabbedout from ATX Innovations (Austin, TX), which extends mobile payments for restaurants and bars based on smart-phones such as iPhone and Android. Tabbedout allows customers to store credit card information directly on their device, encrypted and under pass-phrase protection, view and pay their bill at their own pace, and share their experience with friends via social media. It integrates directly with the merchant’s POS and does not require additional hardware.

“Our goal is to create a platform that enables merchants to incorporate the latest technologies and efficiencies without a lot of hassle,” related Mike Hamm, COO for Focus POS. “With Tabbedout, our merchants can spend less time closing tabs and more time serving customers.” Tabbedout was founded by CEO Rick Orr and CTO Dave Lemley, both formerly of payment processor, MPOWER.

Good month for Tabbedout. Another partner, Micros Systems (Columbia, MD), has deployed the scheme for the Big Night Entertainment Group. Big Night will run Tabbedout at Shrine, The Scorpion Bar, and High Rollers at Foxwoods Resort Casino/MGM Grand in Connecticut and the Red Lantern in Boston. Authorized resellers of both Micros Systems and Focus POS will market, install, and maintain the Tabbedout application for their customers.

Diners Remit Via Their Smart-Phone

Code Corner

Junction Solutions (Denver) has introduced CLEARthru, its mobile and ERP-based traceability architecture for the food and beverage industry. Using CLEARthru, all parties in the supply chain--growers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers--may code, track, and trace food and beverage items starting at the field level, processing facility, or packing plant. A unique CLEARthru coded label is applied to each case or individual item, carrying necessary product information. Once the product reaches the retail outlet, consumers may quickly scan the label via any web or mobile-enabled device to learn where the item originated and was packaged, as well as nutrition facts, allergen warnings, and even recipes. In addition, manufacturers can trace ingredients before adding them to their production line and will be automatically alerted if inventory is being recalled. Consumers utilize any barcode scanning software to access CLEARthru’s information and may also receive pro-active messaging, if desired. “Our solution creates unparalleled transparency throughout the value chain,” maintained Christian Hutter, SVP of Manufacturing and Distribution at Junction Solutions, which builds upon Microsoft Dynamics AX. “This powerful new tool connects the food and beverage industry to its customers and builds brand loyalty.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

An Avalanche of Mobile Security

Wavelink Corporation (Salt Lake City) has unwrapped Wavelink Avalanche SecurePlus 1.1, which improves user authentication and protection for mobile device management, according to the developer. New features in SecurePlus 1.1 include automated migration from CE Secure (Wavelink’s predecessor to SecurePlus), an encryption update to Triple DES, and wider range of client OS support. All these meet the “challenging, changing” security needs for mobile devices, according to Martin Brewer, Director of Research and Development at Wavelink, “particularly in those critical moments when the device is lost or stolen.”

SecurePlus controls device and network access through an authenticated log-in, mandated by powering up or specified period of inactivity. Client-side intelligence protects the device against unauthorized use even when it is not connected to the network with automated lock-down features should the device fail any predefined network assurance tests. Moreover, administrators can remotely access devices when not in use as well as generate secure unlock codes for users who forget their assigned name or password.

As expected, SecurePlus may be centrally configured, deployed, and managed with Wavelink Avalanche, and used in conjunction with Avalanche Certificate Manager, which further substantiates access to the network through unique, individual digital certificates. Avalanche SecurePlus 1.1 goes to market through the company’s partners and sales representatives. Customers using Avalanche CE Secure may upgrade at no cost.

Wavelink Certified Partner Training in Mexico City

V-8 Engine for RFID

Omnitrol Networks (Santa Clara, CA) has upgraded its flagship software platform for RFID and machine-to-machine sensors, designated Edge Application and Services Engine, or EASE. Notably, EASE Version 4.0 integrates Google’s high-performance JavaScript-V8 Engine, creating the industry’s “most versatile and scalable vehicle for delivering total visibility in retail, distribution, and manufacturing,” according to the developer. It seamlessly extends JavaScript-V8 applications with hot-standby fault tolerance, hot-deployment without downtime, real-time complex event processing, priority queues, and in-memory database services--all mission-critical requirements for today's real-world environments.

In contrast to previous generations of Java engines, JavaScript-V8 processes code natively, without interpretation, thereby boosting logic execution speed. “System integrators and developers can now design and deliver highly complex, production-ready innovations automatically from the shop floor for item-level asset traceability and operational collaboration through the ease of JavaScript programming,” explained Drew Nathanson, VP of Auto ID at VDC Research Group. “This not only reduces the complexity in developing and customizing applications, but also accelerates adoption and integration times for RFID and wireless sensor networks.”

“Omnitrol is establishing new open standards for real-time software systems in asset tracking, retail, and logistics intelligence,” declared Raj Saksena, CEO/President of Omnitrol Networks. “Just as Java simplified the delivery of Internet applications, Omnitrol has removed the complexities involved in delivering sensor-driven smarter operations and smarter supply chains through an open, easy-to-use JavaScript environment.” Omnitrol partners with hardware vendors across the spectrum of RFID, Auto ID, and networking, in addition to major system integrators.

Omnitrol’s EASE Version 4.0 Integrates JavaScript-V8

Key Advertiser Links

Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Casio America
Logic Controls
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

Barcode & Transaction Printers
CognitiveTPG
Datamax-O'Neil
TSC America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

Tap Dancing at OfficeMax

No stopping Google Wallet, apparently. Now OfficeMax has adopted the scheme in more than 100 stores in major markets such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. In addition to payments, customers may utilize their smart-phones to redeem coupons and update their loyalty programs through simple, contactless, Near-Field Communication (NFC). Google Wallet works in concert with MasterCard PayPass Tap & Go terminals at checkout for OfficeMax.

“OfficeMax has used Google Wallet to make shopping easier by enabling customers to pay, redeem coupons, and earn MaxPerks reward points with one tap of their phone at the register,” relayed Osama Bedier, VP of Payments at Google. “We’re excited to have OfficeMax join our fast-growing ecosystem by demonstrating how easy it is to implement the Google ‘Single Tap’ experience.” Launched in May for the Sprint Nexus 4G smart-phone, Google Wallet has attracted support from retailers such as CVS, Walgreen’s, Macy’s, Subway, and Foot Locker.

“OfficeMax is interested in using the very latest technology to deliver faster, easier, and personalized in-store shopping experience for our customers, and mobile payments with Google Wallet lets us do just that,” volunteered Ryan Vero, EVP and CMO at OfficeMax. “It’s one of many recent mobile programs we’ve rolled out to help provide customers with truly customized and engaging shopping experiences.” Over the past two years, OfficeMax has launched its own mobile shopping app, extended full-service printing via cloud computing, and commenced SMS text alerts for customers.

Google Wallet Works With MasterCard PayPass Tap & Go

Honey Dew Harvested by Casio

Honey Dew Donuts, which serves its namesake products and coffee throughout the Northeastern U.S., has chosen the QT-6600 POS/ECR terminal from Casio America (Dover, NJ) for its franchise operations. Honey Dew turned to the QT-6600 for advanced functionality, stability, and overall cost-efficiency, according to the two parties. Further, the QT-6600 automatically pushes daily sales data to an FTP site for corporate management, an important factor for Honey Dew Donuts because of its growth in store locations.

“Casio’s QT-6600 Flash Rom-based terminal has the features we need to run an efficient franchise,” testified Don Leavitt, Director of Quality Control and Construction for Honey Dew Donuts. “We have successfully eliminated hardware and maintenance issues and we can optimize store management with the QT-6600’s ability to update daily sales, as well as track products, usage, upkeep, and inventory, including seasonal and best/worst selling items.” Founded in 1973, Honey Dew Donuts has grown to 140 locations.

With six RS-232 ports, the QT-6600 supports multiple configurations of peripherals, including printers, scanners, card readers, scales, coin/liquor dispensers, and surveillance devices. Its 15-inch full-color TFT LCD touch panel may be tilted and adjusted over the range of 20 to 70 degrees for operator viewing. “Unlike other cash registers, the QT-6600 has been outfitted with an operation system that will resume quickly where it left off after any power failure,” indicated Glenn Deal, Sales & Development Manager of Casio’s Electronic Cash Register Division. “A master and back-up system for guest checks maintains the integrity of vital transaction information. Furthermore, password codes can be assigned to staff, limiting access to various program modes and operations.”

Casio America’s QT-6600 POS/ECR Terminal

Channel Factoid

Tablets and smart-phones are redefining the retail shopping experience and will represent an annual market of $5 billion in 2015, according to “Mobility: A Gutenburg Moment for Retail, A Threat to POS,” from the IHL Group. By 2015, over 2.7 million tablets per year will be shipped for use in North American retail and hospitality, an increase of 450%. As categories, specialty retail and table-service restaurants will dominate. While many observers would suggest that lower-priced consumer devices will displace sales of rugged handhelds, this will not be the case; instead, this market will rise close to 30% over the next four years through more competitive offerings. Non-rugged handhelds (mobile phones) will experience significant growth over the next two years as well, with restaurants deploying nearly half of all such devices shipped to retail. These devices will see heavy churn rates in the 2012 to 2015 timeframe, so the installed base will not grow as much as might otherwise be expected. Handhelds will dramatically impact traditional POS shipments over time, reducing the growth by 11% in 2015 and in some segments by as much as 20% from previously forecasted volumes. By 2015, annual shipments of mobile devices will be four times that of traditional POS terminals. “The desire for the ‘Apple Store experience’ among retailers is being driven at the CEO level on down, and its momentum is undeniable,” advised Greg Buzek, President of IHL.

HELLO GOODBYE

VP Enters ViVOtech’s Near Field

ViVOtech (Santa Clara, CA), one of the pioneers in bringing Near-Field Communication (NFC) into the payment arena, has enlisted Eric Lecesne, former President and COO of Way Systems, as its VP of Operations and Supply Chain. In his new role, Lecesne will be responsible for leading ViVOtech’s manufacturing, sourcing, and post-sales customer support, as well as cross-functional program management for new product development. Lecesne’s pedigree in payments extends beyond Way Systems; he previously served as GM for Marketing and R&D at VeriFone as well as GM, EVP, and CTO at Ingenico.

“The NFC market is on the verge of rapid growth, and high volume manufacturability and scalable supply chain for our system products are going to be critical success elements in ViVOtech’s point-of-sale business,” stated Michael “Mick” Mullagh, CEO of ViVOtech. “There is no one in this industry better qualified to take on these new responsibilities than Eric as we ramp up the sales and distribution of new readers and introduce several new NFC products.”

“It took 10 years, but the market has finally caught up with ViVOtech’s vision and ground-breaking NFC software and systems,” Lecesne said. “I believe the next five years will demonstrate absolute validation of ViVOtech’s leadership and adoption around the world of our cutting-edge technology.” Lecesne began his career at HP, where he held various positions over two decades before joining VeriFone. HP, RRN.Com readers will recall, held VeriFone from 1997 to 2001.

Eric Lecesne, VP of Operations and Supply Chain, ViVOtech

Trustwave Verifies CMO

Trustwave (Chicago), which supplies its TrustKeeper PCI compliance, has named Leo J. Cole as CMO. An industry veteran, Cole brings more than 30 years of data security and enterprise software experience, and will lead Trustwave’s global marketing strategy, as well as day-to-day execution of such activities. Before joining Trustwave, he held the office of VP of Marketing for Guidance Software, where he helped grow the company’s footprint in digital forensics and electronic discovery.

Earlier in his career, Cole was VP of Marketing for Websense, Inc., where he saw that company grow from $100 million to $350 million in revenue, expand internationally, reposition itself from web filtering to web, data, and e-mail security, and build an award-winning channel marketing program. Cole also spent more than 20 years at IBM in such executive positions as Director of Product Management for the IBM Enterprise Security Portfolio, Director of Strategy for the Systems Management Portfolio, and Director of Strategic Alliances.

“Trustwave has built a strong portfolio of solutions to help mitigate the challenges of data security threats, fueling our rapid growth to date,” commented Robert J. McCullen, Chairman, CEO, and President of Trustwave. “We believe Leo’s track record proves his success at creating go-to-market strategies for security companies, which will help Trustwave drive even greater market presence."

Leo Cole, CMO, Trustwave